Wayfarer

A Financial Times best summer travel book of 2024

'A powerfully delicate book of love, loss and discovery, along paths of emotional understanding and physical wonder.' Raynor Winn

On an assignment to walk the most famous pilgrimage in the world – the Camino de Santiago, in northern Spain – Phoebe Smith somehow lost her way.

Having spent a lifetime exploring unfamiliar places, she quit her dream job, ended her long-term relationship and headed home to North Wales to discover the point to… everything.

In her search for answers she found herself – quite by accident – walking some of Britain’s oldest pilgrim paths. And by following these old ways, she ended up confronting past traumas that she thought she had laid to rest.

But while it follows holy trails, this is not a book about religion. From losing her mother as a teenager to surviving toxic relationships, Phoebe offers an unflinchingly honest look at her battle with an eating disorder, depression, and the pitfalls of newfound singledom.

Skilfully weaving together Phoebe’s own story with those of countless travellers past and present, Wayfarer reveals how nature and place can heal past wounds, offering a pathway to salvation she’d never thought existed.

Reviews

‘Raw, honest, powerful. I couldn't put it down.’ Cerys Matthews

'A powerfully delicate book of love, loss and discovery, along paths of emotional understanding and physical wonder.' Raynor Winn

'A candid, personal memoir.' Financial Times

'A poignant reminder that the internal journey is as sacred as the external journey. Beautifully written.' Levison Wood

‘Brave, bold and fearless. On this expedition into both ancient Britain and the self, Phoebe is the ultimate companion.’ Steve Backshall

‘Unflinching and tender. It will make you want to live boldly, open your heart, find your next adventure and sprint headlong towards it.’ Helen Mort

'Full of tender, honest reflections and sharp observations.' Wyl Menmuir

'Lyrical and revelatory. … A moving tribute to the power of pilgrimage, illuminating Smith’s journey to find her authentic voice.' Sharon Blackie

'Pilgrimage is about getting to know yourself and Wayfarer finds Phoebe learning to sing out her soul.' Guy Hayward, Director, British Pilgrimage Trust

'An inspiring journey of honouring our memories while living a life in defiance of the past.' Jade Angeles Fitton

'As she walks, Smith reveals her love of nature and the countryside in poignant, finely observed prose.’ Country and Town House

Praise for Phoebe Smith

‘A splendid writer and an inspiring traveller’ Bill Bryson

‘Inspiring, passionate and practical’ Robert Macfarlane

About the author

Phoebe Smith is an award-winning adventurer, presenter, broadcaster, author, photographer, and speaker. She hosts the Wander Woman Podcast and is Sleep Storyteller-in-Residence at Calm.com. She is the author of 10 books, including the bestselling Extreme Sleeps and has worked with a range of clients from the BBC to ITV, Radio 4, the Guardian, Ordnance Survey, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Rolls Royce, Lowe Alpine and Berghaus.